Ultimate Self Realization

In his purport to Sri Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya Lila, Chapter 24, Text 98 Srila Prabhupada enlightens us as follows: "Only a pure devotee can convert others to pure devotional service. It is therefore important for all the preachers in our Krishna consciousness movement to first become pure devotees and follow the regulative principles, refraining from illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling and intoxication. They should regularly chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra on their beads, follow the devotional process, rise early in the morning, attend mangala-arati and recite Srimad-Bhagavatam and the Bhagavad-gita regularly. In this way, one can become purified and free from all material contamination." Therefore if we have any feeling of compassion upon the suffering souls of today's grossly misguided world, we must follow Srila Prabhupada's above instructions and qualify ourselves to help others to become free from all suffering by coming to Krishna consciousness. We nee

On 27 September 2013 here in Vrindavan I visited my dear Godbrother, His Grace Sriman Pundarikaksam Prabhu, who is slowly dying from Alzheimer's disease. As young brahmacaris serving together in Gainesville, Florida back in the early 70's we shared many a sweet moment together. It is certainly sobering to see how heavy the sufferings of material existence can be. Even though he and I were friends, he did not show any sign of recognizing me. Although he spoke not a single word, when I lovingly placed my hands on his shoulders, he reciprocated by softly grasping my forearm. It is his great fortune that he has been provided a facility in Vrindavan in the Bhaktivedanta Hospice where he can be lovingly taken care of until he leaves his body in this most auspicious place in the entire universe. Sankarshan Das Adhikari With My Dear Godbrother, Pundarikaksam Prabhu Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Why Not Become Krishna's Enemy? My dear Gurudeva, Srila Prabhu

You will never find a person more amazing than Krishna anywhere within all of existence because Krishna is indeed the very source of all existence. Whoever says that Krishna is a myth is a fool number one, who doesn't even know the first thing about reality. Such deluded persons who are unqualified by their envy to personally meet Krishna will meet Him in the form of all-devouring death. It is better to meet Krishna like His devotees meet Him, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead whose glories are so amazing that when sung they cause even stones to melt away in ecstatic love. Sankarshan Das Adhikari No One is More Amazing Than Krishna Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Why Do Devotees Suffer? I am sorry to learn about the demise of your disciple. In this regard I have a question. Lord Krishna states in the Bhagavad-gita that He takes care of all sinful reactions of one who fully surrenders unto Him. The devotees who have taken initiation under you have certain

There's one thing you can count on in all times, places, and circumstances, and that is the mercy of Krishna, because He bestows unlimited mercy upon all living beings at every moment. Whatever difficulties we are experiencing are caused by our foolishness, not by Krishna's lack of mercy. It was our foolish desire to try to enjoy separately from Krishna, and now we are reaping the bitter result. So now all we have to do is give up our foolish war of so-called independence and once again subordinate ourselves to our beloved Lord. If we will do this, we will experience that there are no difficulties at all. We will always feel and how celebrate how we are being blessed by the unlimited, sweet mercy of Krishna at every second. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Krishna Is Inviting Us to Rejoin Him in Goloka Vrindavana Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: How to Attend Your Seminar Via the Internet? Please accept my humble dandavats. Thank you very much for the information o

25 September 2013--I got a telephone call early this morning from my disciple, Abhay Charan Das, who was bringing his sister Lalita Devi Dasi (who is also my disciple) to Vrindavan by train. This was her last wish as she was soon to die of cancer. Lalita's mother, father, husband, son, and daughter were also present. They were about two-and-a-half hours from their arrival at Mathura station. Lalita's breathing had become irregular and Abhay Charan sensing that her end was near called me in Vrindavan and asked me if they should disembark from the train. I instructed him that they should continue traveling to Vrindavan and do kirtan for her non-stop. The next call I got about an hour later was that she had left her body. Lalita peacefully left her body in a happy state of mind as seen in the picture below by the serene smile on her face. When they arrived in Vrindavan immediate arrangements were made for her cremation on the bank of the sacred Yamuna river. Many devotees attende

It's really great to be back here in Lord Sri Krishna's transcendental abode, Sri Vrindavana Dhama. Every particle of dust here is more valuable than all of the gold and jewels contained in the entire universe. Those who are fully realized in Krishna consciousness can see how Krishna's pastimes are still going on here in Vrindavan, even today. And even for those who can't directly perceive Krishna face-to-face, eye-to-eye, this is the place in this material world where they feel the most strongly connected with Krishna. To feel connected with Krishna is the perfection of our existence because He is the very source of our existence and indeed of all existence. Therefore being in Vrindavana facilitates the perfection of consciousness. Who could ask for a better place of residence than this? Therefore even when they are not in Vrindavana, the devotees always carry Vrindavana with them in their hearts wherever they may travel within this material world. In this way the dev

On Sunday 22 September 2013 in New Delhi, in pursuance of the order I received from my spiritual master to spread the Krishna consciousness movement all over the world, I gave seven sincere devotees the key to deathlessness by accepting them as my disciples. It was ecstatic to see these devotees making a firm commitment to serve guru and Krishna for all of eternity. The whole world should take note of the wonderful example being set by the devotees of the Krishna consciousness movement. If people will start following the wonderful example of the Hare Krishna people, this world will be transformed into heaven. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Initiation Lecture--ISKCON New Delhi--22 September 2013 Bhakta Virendra Becomes Visvanatha Das Initiation Ceremony Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: How to Become Steady and Enthusiastic in Bhakti? How to remain steady and enthusiastic in devotional service? How to avoid fall downs? How to regain confidence back after falling down

After an intense, sometimes exhausting, but always exhilarating whirlwind lecture marathon in New Delhi for the last three days, today we are heading out to the sweetest place in all of existence, Sri Vrindavan Dhama, the personal abode of Lord Sri Krishna in this universe for the enjoyment of His most intimate pastimes. Even though Vrindavan is presently covered over by a dirty town which is being over-developed at a maddening pace, if one is in the mood of devotion in Vrindavan he can connect very sweetly with Lord Sri Krishna whose eternal pastimes are still going on in this amazing transcendental abode. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Lecture on the Glories of Krishna's Holy Name ISKCON Punjabi Bagh--21 September 2013 Addressing Brahmacaris (Celibate Monks) ISKCON Punjabi Bagh--21 September 2013 Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Are Floods the Result of Sacrificial Activities? The Bhagavad-Gita says that rains are produced from sacrifice. My question is: Does f

Lurking within the hearts of each of us is a savage beast known as the false ego. That false ego is a lusty, angry, greedy, illusioned, insane monster. He can be partially curbed down by education in moral principles. And he can be completely conquered once and for all by going even deeper within the self to discover the real ego, the pure devotee of Krishna who resides within. In other words that savage monster is simply a covering of the great pure-hearted soul who is the actual self. With the help of scriptures, saints, and Sri Guru we must penetrate into the innermost cores of our beings so we can be who we really are, instead of the wild beasts that we often are at the present moment. Sankarshan Das Adhikari "How to Never Fall Down" Seminar with Celibate Monks ISKCON New Delhi East of Kailash--20 September 2013 Evening Lecture at Katwaria Sarai BACE New Delhi, India--20 September 2013 Devotees Relish the Nectar of Topics of Krishna at BACE Lecture Speaking wit

Sometimes we feel that we have things under control and everything is going okay. And sometimes things get really tough and it starts to feel that we are getting more difficulties than we are able to handle. This duality is natural as long as we are in this material world. The key is to always remain steady in all circumstances. This steadiness comes from clearly knowing what is our duty and sticking to it in all circumstances without deviation. That duty is to fully surrender to Krishna under the loving guidance of the bona fide spiritual master. This dedication will always give us peace of mind even under the most trying of circumstances. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Take Shelter of the Holy Name Lecture Faridabad, India--19 September 2013 Final Instructions Before Returning to New Delhi Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: How to Prepare for Accepting a Spiritual Master? I would like to ask you: How can I prepare myself for accepting spiritual master? Is it possible

It is really wonderful to see how lovingly the devotees here in New Delhi are worshipping and serving Lord Sri Krishna. ISKCON's Partha-sarathi temple in New Delhi is extraordinarily beautiful and regularly attracts thousands of people to come and see their beautiful Lord Sri Krishna, hear about His glories, devotedly chant His names in congregation, and partake of sumptuous foodstuffs which have been offered to Him with love and devotion. In other words this wonderful spiritual atmosphere the devotees have made at this temple inspires people to engage in those very activities which will deliver them from the cycle of birth and death. May everyone in New Delhi take full advantage of the wonderful mercy which is available to them at this temple. Sankarshan Das Adhikari ISKCON Partha-sarathi Temple--New Delhi, India Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Why Did God Create Carnivores? This question is being puzzling me for a long period of time. Can you please let me

We have now returned to the holy land of India. This is Lord Krishna' favorite place in this universe. Even though it is presently very much covered over by the influence of the Kali yuga, the signs and symptoms of the its former Vedic culture are still often wonderfully manifested. For example, as we were leaving the arrivals area in the New Delhi airport we had to turn in a baggage declaration slip to the government officials. As we did so the government man joyfully said to us, "Hare Rama." I replied with "Hare Krishna" and thanked him profusely for his auspicious greeting. India is naturally a Krishna conscious place, but it is presently being spoiled by materialistic politicians who are not coming in the fine tradition of Parikshit Maharaja and Yudhisthira Maharaja. Sankarshan Das Adhikari India, the Land of Krishna Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Why Does Krishna Ignore Morality? Why Krishna doesn't take care of what is morality

Krishna's devotee is naturally a spiritual teacher, a brahmana, because he loves to teach others about Krishna. He requires no compensation for such teaching because teaching others about Krishna is so rewarding and fulfilling that the activity itself is its own compensation. Therefore he blissfully absorbs his entire life in spreading the science of Krishna consciousness all over the world without any thought or desire for personal benefit. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Srila Prabhupada in Moscow to Introduce Krishna Consciousness Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Does a Male Need to Become Gay to Love Krishna? Does one, if male, need to become a homosexual, in order to love Krishna? G.H. Answer: Devotees Cultivate an Attitude of Indifference Towards Sex Loving Krishna is not on the platform of material sense gratification, therefore it has nothing to do with sex and does not require any particular type of sexual orientation. Those who take to Krishna consciousne

16 September 2013--After a short, but ecstatically sweet Radhastami celebration and lecture series here in Timisoara, Romania we are heading out today for a short over-night stop at the Bhaktivedanta Manor in Great Britain on our way to India. This beautiful estate was donated to ISKCON by former Beatle George Harrison. It now serves as the main ISKCON temple in the United Kingdom and attracts large numbers of visitors on a regular basis. When Bhaktivedanta Manor was donated, Srila Prabhupada said of George, "Because he has given shelter to Krishna by providing this temple, Krishna will surely provide shelter for him." Just before Srila Prabhupada left this world in 1977, he removed the ring on his right hand and said to the disciples around him, "This is for George, give it to him." We are indeed grateful to Srila Prabhupada for giving us this wonderful Krishna consciousness movement. And we also grateful to George Harrison for the wonderful service he rendered

Everybody in the world should have a copy of the Bhagavad-gita. At least every household on this planet should have a copy. When there is a copy of the Bhagavad-gita handy in every home, sooner or later many people will read it. And when they read it their lives will be changed. This is our mission. We want that every human being on this planet should be introduced to the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita. This will bring about the dawning of new age of happiness, peace, and prosperity for everybody on this planet, even the animals. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Presenting Bhagavad-gita As It Is Timisoara, Romania--14 September 2013 Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Can One Fall From the Spiritual World? I read the Questions and Answers for today. You said we fell from the spiritual world. My question is: Can one fall from the spiritual world? I heard in Vaikuntha that not even the leaves fall. Is our origin from Goloka? If so, does this mean that we can again fall from G

Although our teaching people how to become fixed in Krishna consciousness is the topmost welfare activity, we are sometimes criticized by less intelligent godless men for doing more harm to the human society than good. Our critics do not understand that everyone in this world is suffering due to a lack of Krishna consciousness and will be blessed with true happiness by reviving their dormant Krishna consciousness. Teaching someone how to surrender to Krishna means to free that person from countless eons of suffering within the cycle of birth and death. Because this Krishna consciousness movement is fully authorized by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu it will continue to expand more and more until it inundates the entire universe in spite of the criticism of the uninformed and envious. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Teaching Krishna Bhakti in Timisoara, Romania Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: How to Improve Studies and Work? How can I improve my results in my studies and work? Ca

Lord Krishna is unlimitedly kind. No matter how much we may have deviated from the path of His devotional service, at any time early on or later on, He is willing to accept us as His devotees and overlook all of our nonsense, provided we are willing to fully surrender ourselves unto Him. Simply we have to be sincere to give up material sense gratification and fully engage ourselves in His service under the guidance of the bona fide spiritual master. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Krishna Is Unlimitedly Kind Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Why Doesn't Krishna Liberate Everyone? I thank you very much for finding time to answer my questions. I am extremely grateful. The Lord being almighty can make things right in a fraction of a second. So I would like to ask you: Why doesn't Lord Krishna by His inconceivable power make the whole world with it's numerous problems all right? Why doesn't the Lord liberate all the conditioned souls from their bondage? How c

The first step in defeating the rascal materialistic civilization is to no longer be its follower. You have to start thinking out the box. In other words don't remain a blind follower of a culture that negates your very identity. Instead identity yourself with a culture that reaffirms who you actually are and teaches how to be who you actually are. In this way be a perfect example, a man or woman of ideal character. The next step is to take every available opportunity you get to tell others about the profound teachings of Lord Sri Krishna and the ecstatic lifestyle that follows in their wake. Boldly and enthusiastically take these two steps and you will be spiritual revolutionary whose very presence on this planet will have a profound impact for defeating the rascal materialistic civilization. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Srila Prabhupada Deeply Absorbed in Scriptural Studies Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Shall I Try to Awaken Kundalini? Thank you very much for

If you will always remember Krishna and never forget Him, you will live an eternal existence of unlimited bliss starting right now and for forevermore. Kindly note that the quality of your remembrance is most essential. You cannot think of God in a negative way and expect to get the same result. You must think of Him in a very loving and affectionate way like Srimati Radharani thinks of Him. Then you will surely reap the supreme result. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Radharani is Always Lovingly Absorbed in Krishna Consciousness Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Is Radharani Mentioned in the Bhagavatam? Kindly enlighten me whether Srimati Radharani's name is mentioned in any of the scriptures like Srimad-Bhagavatam or Upanishads. If not, then why not? Srimad-Bhagavatam is the king of all scriptures, grantharaja, and mentions all the activities of the different avatars including Lord Buddha. Regards Parthasarthi Das Answer: Srimati Radharani Although Hidden is Menti

This material world is a very tough place, but we are saved from it by the mercy of the bona fide spiritual master. Were it not for his grace we would be hopelessly lost in this dungeon with no hope of ever escaping. But by his grace, this hellish place is transformed into a paradise overflowing with unlimited nectar for those persons who fully surrender their lives unto Lord Sri Krishna at every step. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Srila Prabhupada Transforms Paris--1974 Answers by Citing the Vedic Version : Question: Why Worship Only Krishna? Why do we worship only Sri Krishna and why not Lord Rama or Lord Nrsimha, since they are all the forms of the same Lord? Regards Vinit Sharma Answer: All Forms of the Lord Are Automatically Worshipped All forms of the Lord are worshipable. And since Krishna is the origin of all the forms of God, all of His forms are automatically worshipped when we worship Him, just as all the leaves of a tree are watered when we water the tree's root.

Today we are heading out to Romania to celebrate Radhastami, the holy appearance day of Srimati Radharani, with devotees of Krishna from Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria. It is only by the mercy of Srimati Radharani that we are able to approach Krishna. This is why before we address Krishna we first of all address Srimati Radharani by calling out to her, "Hare." In this connection Srila Prabhupada describes as follows: "In the beginning of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra we first address the internal energy of Krishna, Hare. Thus we say, 'O Radharani! O Hare! O energy of the Lord!' When we address someone in this way, he usually says, 'Yes, what do you want?' The answer is, 'Please engage me in Your service.' This should be our prayer." It is by mercy of Srila Prabhupada that we are able to understand the actual significance of this human form of life. Therefore we should take proper advantage of his instructions and fully surrender ourselves u

Those who have awakened their spiritual vision see all living beings, even the tiny insect or insignificant plant, as a manifestation of God. Therefore such realized persons naturally have respect and love for everyone and devote their lives fully to helping everyone throughout the universe to awaken the dormant love of God within their hearts so that they can become truly happy. Sankarshan Das Adhikari A Krishna Conscious Person Sees Everyone Equally Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Radha and Krishna's Relationship? I have a question whose answer I am not getting. Some say Radharani is the aunt of Lord Krishna, whereas some say there's no mention about that. I just wanted to know where in our scriptures is the mention of Radha and Krishna's relationship and if it is true that Radharani is Krishna's aunt. Please let me know. Yours in the service of Lord Krishna, Sunny Answer: Krishna Expands Himself as Srimati Radharani Radharani is not Krish

There is happiness in this material world, but it is not pure. It is adulterated with misery. Therefore it is not real happiness. It is maya-sukhaya, illusory happiness, only. If you want pure unadulterated happiness, you must come to the spiritual platform of realizing that you are the eternal servant of Krishna and engaging yourself practically in His service beginning with your tongue by tasting Krishna prasadam, food offered to Lord Sri Krishna with love and devotion, and by also chanting the Hare Krishna mantra with love and devotion. Sankarshan Das Adhikari The Pure Bliss of Krishna Consciousness His Holiness Vishnujana Swami Sings Hare Krishna Kirtan Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Intoxicants Forbidden in Bible and Quran? Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. I request you to clarify a confusion: According to bona fide scriptures one of the four regulative principles to regain one's dormant love for Godhead is avoida

The present day world situation is hellish. Its educational system all over the world is based on the false bodily conception of existence. Hence the entire global situation in all spheres is gradually descending into more chaos with the poor, bewildered people becoming more miserable as they become ever-increasingly entangled in the karmic network. The good news is that even a small group of devotees of Krishna who are working together in a tight knit, fully co-operative fashion can have a tremendous impact on the course of human history. Such devotees must be strictly following the orders of the predecessor acharyas and lovingly co-operating with each other. Then the magic will happen. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Ecstatic Chanting Party--Germany 1974 Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Can a Departed Vaisnava Be One's Guru? Can one have a guru who has left the material world? Or must he or she still be alive on the earthly plane? Namaste David K. Answer: Initiat

Do yourself a humongous favor today. Carefully chant the Hare Krishna mantra as if your very life depended on how carefully you chant. With this kind of sincere, focused attention on Krishna's name you will be greatly blessed by the presence of Krishna, and you will have one of the happiest days of your entire life. Try it. You'll like it. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Srila Prabhupada Absorbed in Chanting Japa Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Request: Please Help Me to Get Out of Maya! Gurudeva, I was in a blissful condition for the past 6-8 months practicing Krishna consciousness. But of late, I am in crisis as I am again getting gripped in the clutches of maya! My life is again getting into turmoil and my connection with Krishna is on a decline! Please help me ! Hare Krishna S.A. Answer: Carefully Follow these Simply Guidelines I am very sorry to hear that you are in spiritual difficulty. The good news is that the solution is very simple. All you have to do is ver

Since Krishna is the reservoir of all sweetness His name is the perfection of sweetness and is hence unlimitedly sweet. Therefore one who develops a taste for chanting the holy names of Krishna is the happiest person in the entire universe. Who then is that fool who would not take advantage of this unique golden opportunity and dedicate his entire life to chanting the Lord's holy names? Sankarshan Das Adhikari Srila Prabhupada Relishes Hare Krishna Kirtan Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Constant Number of Souls In This World? I want to know, is the total number of souls in this material world increasing, decreasing or there is a continuous flow of souls in and out of this material world? Joydeep Answer: Continuous Flow There is a continuous flow of souls in and out of this world. While some souls are being liberated and going back to Godhead, others are falling down from the spiritual world due to misuse of their free will. Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Recently one of our readers dropped out of our course because they said that they found it to be boring. This means that they did not make proper use of the science of bhakti to connect themselves with Krishna, the reservoir of all pleasure. When one is Krishna conscious, the word "boring" drops out of their dictionary. A life of Krishna consciousness is a life of unlimited, ever-increasing bliss and excitement. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Srila Prabhupada Begins His Movement Tompkins Square Park--New York City--1966 Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: How to Get Daily Guidance? My Respected Guruji, Thank you so much for your concern on me to give me guidelines. But how can I approach Guru to guide me on a daily/weekly/monthly basis? I am in my family as a mother of two children. Every day my responsibility grows higher in bringing up the kids and taking care of my family members. What are my duties? How can I devote my time to rise my spiritual knowledge and

The material energy is always trying to capture us. Therefore one has to always be very careful not to be overwhelmed by maya or illusion. This happens as soon as we forget Krishna. kṛṣṇa bhuliya jīva bhoga vāvchā kare pasate māyāra tāre jāpaṭiyā dhare "As soon as you forget Krishna and you want to act independently, then immediately you are captured by maya, and you are punished." Therefore we always be careful to always remember Krishna at every moment mo matter what we are doing. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Srila Prabhupada Always Remembers Krishna Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Why Be Blamed for Misdeeds? Gurudeva, Pranam Kindly remove my following ignorance: The free will of human being is nothing but the will of God operating. So in that case, how some one can be blamed for his misdeeds? Your humble servant Anil Sarma Answer: God Willed Us With Free Will By God's will the living being is endowed with his own free will to do as he likes.

Two demons must be conquered: the demon within and the demon without. The devotee's mood is to first start conquering the demon within his own heart and then simultaneously take up the service of conquering the demon within the mass mind of the human population by spreading the Krishna consciousness science to as many people and places as possible. The devotee finds his own faults to be intolerable. And he finds the faults of the materialistic society to also be intolerable. Therefore he fully absorbs his life in saving himself and saving others. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Srila Prabhupada Teaches About Krishna Answers by Citing the Vedic Version : Question: Is There Only One God? Do Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Hindus worship the same God? Jeffrey W. Answer: Original Source of All Can Only Be One We are all made of the same stuff, and we all come from the same original source. God, or whatever name you use, means that original source of us all and of all existence. There

At the present moment the USA government is planning to launch a missile attack against the Syrian government for its alleged killing of 1,429 of its own citizens by poison gas. When we take into consideration that the USA government is sanctioning the killing of more than 3,000 babies in the USA everyday by abortion, the idea of attacking Syria becomes absurd. This is the height of hypocrisy. If the USA government leaders feel it is wrong for a government to sanction the mass killing of its own innocent citizens, they should set the example of not sanctioning the killing of their own citizens. As devotees of Krishna we know that one must himself first be ideal before asking others to be ideal. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Srila Prabhupada Sets the Ideal Example Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Can You Help Me Find My Guru? Holy sir, I appreciate your swift response to my previous question. I am searching for my guru. Would it be possible for your good self to help me